Top Ways to Keep Pedestrians Safe in North Highlands
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands personal injury lawyer. Pedestrians in California, including North Highlands, find themselves in a precarious position as more of them each year are killed or injured by negligent motorists. Although the numbers in California actually fell in 2017 due to increased safety measures and education, the state is still a long way from making it safe for walkers. If everyone would do their part, motorists and pedestrians alike, it could bring the number of accident injuries and deaths down much further.
Pedestrian Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,376 fatalities and around 70,000 injuries of pedestrians in 2015 caused by motor vehicles. The city of Sacramento reported 228 fatalities and injuries that same year. There were 535 casualties and injuries to pedestrians around the county caused by vehicular accidents. Of that number, 71 were under 15 or younger in age.
How Pedestrians Can Stay Safer
Pedestrians have a duty of care to stay safe and not endanger others out in public, just as motorists do. When they are negligent, they can contribute to traffic accidents. Following are some of the ways a pedestrian can stay safer:
- Pedestrians can be just as guilty of distractions as those who are driving on the road. Texting and talking on a cell phone or listening to music are both ways a pedestrian is not paying attention.
- Jaywalking is not only illegal, but it is also dangerous. Only cross at designated crosswalks.
- Whenever possible, stay on the sidewalk. Walking in the street increases the risk of an accident and serious injuries.
- If you are forced to walk in the street, remain on the shoulder, and face traffic so motorists can see you.
- Make an effort to be more visible after dark, or at dusk or dawn when it is more difficult for motorists to spot you. Do not wear dark clothing. Bright-colored clothing can make you more visible. If the weather is rainy or it is dark outdoors, reflective strips on clothing and a flashlight are helpful.
- Don’t expect to always hear a vehicle approaching. Electric and hybrid vehicles make very little noise.
- When preparing to cross a street, make sure that traffic is stopped. Making eye contact with the vehicle’s driver can help ensure that you have been spotted.
How Drivers Can Help Avoid Pedestrian Collisions
Although no one intends to strike a pedestrian, driver inattention and error causes many accidents each year. Some of the things that can help include:
- Avoid speeding: The faster a vehicle is going when it strikes a pedestrian, the more serious the injuries. Twenty-five percent of pedestrians will die when a vehicle traveling at 40 mph strikes them. If the vehicle is traveling at 50 mph, more than half of the pedestrians will die when struck.
- Exercise caution at all times: Unfortunately, pedestrians don’t always use a crosswalk, and this is where many accidents occur. Keeping a sharp eye out for walkers can help.
- Be careful in bad weather: Rain, snow, and sleet can obscure vision, making it more difficult to spot a pedestrian. It is also more difficult to spot a pedestrian after dark.
- Drunk driving: This is not only against the law but adversely affects a driver’s judgment, reflexes and reaction time.
- Allow extra time: Some pedestrians such as the blind, elderly and those in wheelchairs require more time to cross than others.
- Don’t pass vehicles stopped at crosswalks: If a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk, this is probably because a pedestrian is walking across the street. Passing a stopped vehicle could end in a tragedy.
North Highlands Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a North Highlands personal injury lawyer. Pedestrian accidents with a negligent driver can cause severe injuries or cost the life of a loved one. If you were injured or lost someone close to you, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help. For my free, friendly advice, I can be contacted at (916) 921-6400 locally or (800) 404-5400 outside the area.
As a California member of milliondollaradvocates.com, I join a select group of trial attorneys who have won an amount in excess of $1 million for a deserving client.
Learn more about my legal practice by visiting:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/life-beauty-scene-city-urban-864373/
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